• The basement doesn't have to look like a junk room.vieille cave image by Jean-Jacques Cordier from Fotolia.com
  
  The basement is an often under-utilized space in the home, especially when it comes to convenient storage. Corners containing boxes upon unlabeled -- or mislabeled -- boxes don't count as convenient -- or organized -- but it's easy to change that. With some planning and rearranging, it's simple to make the basement a viable place for seasonal decorations, old books and toys, and even a supply of food.
  
  

Moisture Control

• Keep the basement floor from looking like this with a little preventative maintenance.champignon image by j??r?¡äme caffin from Fotolia.com
  
  One of the biggest reasons why basements aren't used for storage is moisture. Dampness can seep in through the tiniest cracks, accumulate, and ruin almost anything. Before moving important items into the basement, make sure there's no access to moisture and that the walls are watertight.
  
  Wrap any exposed pipes to prevent condensation from settling on them, and keep a dehumidifier running at all times. Extra insulation doesn't hurt either, especially if it's an older home. If shelving or storage units are being installed, it's not even necessary to worry about what the wall looks like.
  
  Also be sure that all downspouts empty at least five feet from the foundation. Check for any leaks in the foundation, and seal them before anything gets moved to the basement. This will prevent whatever is stored in the basement from becoming a casualty of moisture and mildew.
  
  

Food Storage

• Store homemade jellies and jams for the long winter.Jars of opuntia fruits and oranges jam image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Basements can be a good place to store extra food, especially in areas where weather might hinder travel during parts of the year. Chest freezers or refrigerators can be invaluable in terms of repackaging foods to save on space. For example, buy a bulk box of chicken and repackage into plastic bags that contain enough for one meal. This will make the most of the storage space.
  
  Other types of food can also be stored on shelving units; just make sure they are sealed in glass or metal containers. Containers like cereal boxes or cookie bags can -- and will -- attract rodents and insects. If there are no dates on the cans, such as with homemade preserves or pickles, be sure to write the date on the container, and put the oldest goods in the front.
  
  

Ceiling Storage

• Store these in the basement rafters during the off-season.Four White Folding Chairs image by Lisa Adamaitis from Fotolia.com
  
  Ceiling-hung shelves are easy to install, especially in the majority of basements that have exposed beams. Simply attach a few sets of 2x4s to the ceiling, then add a piece of plywood to form the shelf. Be sure that the shelf doesn't make it difficult for walking beneath it, especially if it's in a high-traffic area.
  
  Installing shelves like this -- even if they only have about six to 12 inches in height -- can provide valuable storage space for items like folding chairs, patio umbrellas, boxed Christmas lights and backyard games.